Trump Administration Submits East Potomac Golf Renovation Plan
By Staff Writer
2 min read
The Trump administration has filed its first detailed public plan for overhauling East Potomac Golf Links, the Washington, D.C. municipal course at the center of a monthslong legal fight.
The Department of the Interior submitted a 55-page concept proposal to the National Capital Planning Commission on Friday. The filing, entered as an exhibit in ongoing litigation between Interior and the DC Preservation League, is the most detailed public look yet at the government's plans for the East Potomac Park site.
What does the plan call for?
The proposal describes replacing what it calls a "dilapidated, unsafe course" with a single 18-hole championship layout it says would rank alongside Torrey Pines, Bethpage Black and Houston's Memorial Park Golf Course — three munis that have hosted PGA Tour or major championship golf while keeping discounted rates for locals.
Central to the plan is a reinforced seawall, priced at $304.5 million and projected to take 2.5 to 3.5 years to build. The project would also eliminate East Potomac's par-3 and executive courses, and potentially its historic miniature golf course, to make room for the new 18 holes along the river.
What's still unclear?
The filing does not address green fees. East Potomac hosts roughly 80,000 rounds a year at rates capped at $48, and critics have questioned whether a championship-caliber course built to host elite events could stay affordable. The document also doesn't say how long the concept has existed or the status of any agreement with course designer Tom Fazio, who toured the site with President Trump over the summer.
Key takeaways
- Interior submitted a 55-page concept plan for East Potomac Golf Links to the National Capital Planning Commission on Friday.
- The seawall portion alone is projected to cost $304.5 million and take 2.5 to 3.5 years.
- The plan would eliminate East Potomac's par-3 and executive courses, and possibly its historic mini-golf course.
- East Potomac hosts about 80,000 rounds annually with fees capped at $48; the plan does not address future pricing.
- Judge Ana Reyes ordered an ethics inquiry into the project last week; Trump has said the course will close for renovation on Nov. 15.
What happens next?
Because East Potomac Park and neighboring West Potomac Park are listed as a National Historic Place, any federal project affecting the site requires formal review and public comment before a final design is approved. The litigation between Interior and the DC Preservation League continues, with additional hearings expected in the coming weeks. President Trump has said the existing course will close for construction on Nov. 15, regardless of where the review process stands.
Frequently asked questions
How much would the East Potomac renovation cost?
The proposal filed Friday prices the seawall component alone at $304.5 million, with full project costs not yet disclosed.
When will East Potomac close for construction?
President Trump has said the course will shut down for renovation work on Nov. 15.
- East Potomac Golf Links
- Trump administration
- Washington DC golf
- municipal golf
- Tom Fazio
- Department of the Interior
